Nothing makes a beach day amazing than going in prepared with a few essentials, for example, a Bluetooth speaker, a shade tent, a sand-free mat, etc. The best folding beach lounge chair is a necessity when it comes to seaside relaxation and comfort. Beach chairs have evolved over the years, making them foldable, ensuring you can carry or store them with ease.
Looking to upgrade your beach trip using a portable chair that provides a higher level of comfort than sitting on sand? There are some fantastic beach chairs in the market today, from sun loungers on wheels to zero gravity sky gazers to essential beach mats with frames to support your back.
Hopefully, the short guide below will help you find the perfect chair for your beach vacation.
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What is a Beach Chair?
A beach chair is a type of outdoor seating used at the beach. A beach chair is an excellent accessory for beach trips that will help save you some backache and keep the sand out of your body or clothes. Sometimes the beach chairs may be called lounge chairs, deck chairs, camp chairs, folding chairs, or collapsible chairs.
Ready to have some comfort at the beach? Here are the best beach chairs available in the market today.
Which are the best folding beach lounge chairs?
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1. Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler
The Coleman Quad Chair stands out because of its excellent comfort and built-in accessories. It provides great value for money especially when it comes to sturdiness, comfortability, roominess, convenience, and support. This product not only comes with a cup holder but also includes a cooler that is built into the left arm is quite unique.
The cooler is designed to fit three bottles as well as two small bags of ice. Additionally, the side pouch comes in handy to store your phone, keys, book, sunblock, or whatever you're carrying. The collapsible and folding design makes it easy to transport and store the chair.
It features a cozy design that is not only sturdy but also very comfortable, even for bigger people. The backrest features a bit of angle, which provides more comfort as compared to the vertical designs. In addition, the back and the seat are fully cushioned for maximum comfort and support.
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2. Baby Delight Go with Me Chair with Sun Canopy
- DURABLE AND WEIGHT CAPACITY: SUPPORTS UP TO 300 LBS. Heavy duty steel...
- WIDE AND LOW SEAT: Seat width 23.2 inches, KingCamp Beach Chair is...
- UNIQUE AND FUNCTIONAL: Features a cup holder on the right side of the...
- EASY TO USE: No assembly, open and close in seconds, KingCamp Folding...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND CONVENIENT STORAGE: Weighs only 6.6 lbs; Packed size...
If you're looking to get the best folding beach lounge chair for kids, then you can never go wrong with the Baby Delight Go with Me Chair. Although it may not come with a visual appeal of a classical beach chair, it is designed to be more functional. Moreover, it can be used for a huge number of outdoor activities, from sports to camping activities.
While it is a bit expensive than the classical models, this chair is definitely worth it and provides excellent value for money. It is suitable for kids who are as young as three months and will grow with your baby up to a weight of 75 pounds. The five-point removable harness ensures your baby stays secure while the baby is still young.
As the child grows, the seat is designed to have two leg holes that allow your baby to stand with support. Once the child grows to become a bit bigger, then you can convert the chair back to a regular seat. Other features include a sun canopy for extra protection, a carry bag that ensures easy transportation, and a removable snack tray.
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3. KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair for Camping Concert Lawn
- DURABLE AND WEIGHT CAPACITY: SUPPORTS UP TO 300 LBS. Heavy duty steel...
- WIDE AND LOW SEAT: Seat width 23.2 inches, KingCamp Beach Chair is...
- UNIQUE AND FUNCTIONAL: Features a cup holder on the right side of the...
- EASY TO USE: No assembly, open and close in seconds, KingCamp Folding...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND CONVENIENT STORAGE: Weighs only 6.6 lbs; Packed size...
The KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair is an extremely comfortable option that is easy to carry and lightweight. You can comfortably sit on the chair even for longer periods. The camping chair will sit low to the ground to put your feet on the surf and fit in a tent but also high enough to ensure your bottom doesn't hit the same.
With a 23.2-inch seating area and 33.5 inches back panel, this folding chair is noticeably broader and higher than most options. It comes with a neck pillow pouch that can easily be puffed with the carry bag. The mesh pocket and built-in cup holder come in handy to ensure that you have storage space for the essentials at hand.
The heavy-duty steel frame weighs only seven pounds and is able to support up to 300 pounds of weight. It is effortless to set up with no assembly required, and the breathable mesh material will ensure you remain cool even in hot sand. A carry bag with a handle is included.
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4. Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair
The Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair is one of the most sturdy foldable chairs in the market today. It is quite sturdy, and the fabric doesn't sag like other folding chairs. It is a perfect option for a beach day and also camping, tailgating, and watching sports.
The chair comes with built-in locks that ensure the chair locks into place when folded and unfolded. This feature comes in handy to stop the folding chair from collapsing while sitting on it. In addition, it features not only a high seat but also one that is sturdy such that it won't tip when you lean forward.
The arms of this chair are also sturdy enough to ensure you can comfortably sit and get up. The chair measures 9.4 pounds and is designed to support a weight of up to 300 pounds. It comes with two cup holders, a carry strap attached to this camping chair, a storage bag, and zip and mesh pockets.
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5. Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair
If you're looking for a comfortable beach chair, this Tommy Bahama beach chair is the best backpack chair that will definitely deliver. The Tommy Bahama brand was among the first companies to manufacture the backpack beach chairs, and they have perfected them over the years.
The Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair can be folded as a backpack, and the chair weighs only seven pounds, making it easy to carry and transport. It also comes with padded and adjustable straps that ensure you can comfortably carry it on your back.
The chair also features two pockets, one is meshed for the gear, for example, your cell phone, a wet bathing suit, a wallet, or a towel, and another one is an insulated cooler style pocket for your beverage or snack of choice. In addition, the chair can adjust to five different seating positions and includes a contoured headrest for maximum comfort.
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Beach Chair Vs. Lawn Chair
The beach and lawn chairs differ a little, and the main difference is in height. Beach chairs will allow you to sit lower to the sand or ground. On the other hand, a lawn chair will only allow someone to sit up higher in a more natural position.
Types of Beach Chairs
Apart from the folding beach chair, which is only one type of beach chair, there are several different types of beach chairs, including;
1. Lounge Chair
If you're looking to take a nap on the beach, a lounge chair may be the best option. Some may include a padded headrest or a headrest pillow to ensure you can relax comfortably. Most of these chairs come with multiple recline positions to ensure they are adjustable. They are low to the ground and allow you to lay facing up or down, but they are often difficult to transport.
2. Backpack Chair
A backpack beach chair comes in handy when traveling or walking to get to the beach. This beach chair allows you to carry it as a backpack using the backpack straps. They can be collapsed to become incredibly portable and unfold into a chair when you want to sit down. Furthermore, they are very lightweight, making them easy to carry. However, the chair is only ideal for sitting for shorter durations because it can become uncomfortable quickly.
3. Canopy Beach Chair
A canopy chair simply has a canopy attached to the back of the chair to act as a sunshade. It provides enough shade that allows you to sit under the canopy with no sunglasses. The frame of the canopy beach chair is made from aluminum, while the seat is plastic. Some chairs offer a removable canopy, while others are permanents. They are very durable, and you can put them in different positions and come in a wide range of styles.
4. Zero Gravity Chairs
The zero gravity chairs provide a more relaxed position to minimize the tension put on the bodies. They ensure that your weight is distributed across all the pressure points in the body, helping you feel very comfortable. They take off pressure from the spine and allow proper circulation.
These beach chairs won't recline to become completely flat, but it still has numerous recline positions. They can also be used in the house. However, it is not affordable or a lightweight beach chair as well.
5. Beach Hammocks
Although a beach hammock is not a typical beach chair, it is something that you're likely to find at the beach. They have their own frames, and you can set them up anywhere and enjoy the warm breeze. The frame means that you won't need trees to support it. In addition, some have frames that are attached, which means you won't require any assembly.
Others will have a separate frame that will require you to assemble. Some beach hammocks will have an adjustable pillow, a carrying bag, and a cup holder. A beach hammock is high enough to keep you out of the sand but is also close enough to ensure you can quickly get in it.
What Do You Consider Before Choosing the Best Folding Beach Lounge Chair?
1. Durability
To get the best beach chair, the first thing you should consider is its durability. There is no point in purchasing a beach chair that will only last for a few days or fall apart when you first sit on it. Therefore, it is crucial to check the reviews and understand how long the chair could last to determine its durability.
In terms of durability, you also need to consider the weather resistance ability. This is because you don't want to get a chair that will quickly fade the color of your chair. The sun rays can sometimes be really strong, and as a result, they can fade the color of the lounge chair.
You need to ensure that the beach chair can withstand any weather condition. Check the fabric that has constructed the beach chair and ensure it can dry quickly in case of a steady downpour. Moreover, ensure the chair features breathable abilities and can efficiently ventilate.
2. Load Capacity
The load capacity or your weight is another crucial factor that shouldn't be ignored when it comes to the best folding beach lounge chair. If you don't, then there is a high possibility that the chair won't be able to support your weight.
Fortunately, no matter your weight, you can always find a beach chair that matches your needs. Generally, the best beach chairs can support a weight of up to 250lbs, but there are some options that can support even double the weight.
However, it is essential to know that the more weight a beach chair can support, the heavier it will be and, therefore, not very portable. Some aluminum chairs will not only be impressive when it comes to durability, but they are also very lightweight.
3. Chair Positions
Generally, a folding beach chair may come in a vast assortment of folding chair positions. This means that you can gradually adjust the angles until you find one that perfectly fits you. It comes in handy, especially for people who experience back pains or have back problems resulting from sitting in an uncomfortable position.
Another crucial thing to consider is the chair hinges, and you need to ensure that the straps are made from durable materials. For example, you may find that some lounge chairs need to be screwed after folding them. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that the straps are also constructed from a corrosion-resistant material that allows the best folding beach chair.
4. Accessories
Different folding chairs may come with different accessories to match different needs. Here are some accessories you should consider;
- A towel bar- It helps protect your beach chair from grit and sand, providing you the comfort you need. However, a plain towel may not be able to give the fantastic comfort a well-designed pillow gives, and it is why manufacturers include a pad.
- Pillows- Check if the pillows are removable because you may need to clean them after a few times of using the pad. Being able to remove the pad allows you to throw it in a washing machine from time to time. You also need to consider the color of your pillow to ensure it creates a pleasant view when combined with the folding chair.
- Umbrella or any kind of awning- This comes in handy if you're planning to spend the whole day on the beach. A single oil may not protect your skin on a beach day, which is why it is essential to have an adjustable umbrella on your chair.
Other essential accessories that some models may include are;
- Cup holders
- Carrying bag
- Backpack straps or carrying straps
- Storage pouch
5. Portability and Weight
The best beach chair needs to be sturdy enough to support your weight and lightweight enough to make it easy to transport. So, if you're looking to relax a bit far from where the parking lot is, then you want to consider a lightweight and compact chair.
The physical dimensions of the beach chair will also make a significant difference when it comes to portability. While a specific model folds flat, which comes in handy for storage at home, they may be too wide for them to be carried comfortably on the shoulders. However, these types of camping chairs will often be carried using the frame, while other high-end models include backpack straps that enable you to carry them on your back.
To achieve the best portability when it comes to beach chairs, you need to find a chair that folds in on itself. As a result, the chair should form a torpedo-like shape that fits into its carry bag or your beach bag.
6. Stability
A beach chair that has wonky legs will probably tip over when you sit on it, and that is not what you want, especially when you're around a group of people. The style and design of the legs will determine how stable a beach chair will be. Generally, the traditional camping style chairs tend to provide more stability on any terrain.
While the ultra-lightweight designs may be easier to carry, they are prone to tipping over, especially when they have super thin legs. However, a low-profile beach chair that offers a broad base should provide excellent stability but should not lean too much on either side.
To ensure that the seat will be stable enough and you won't hit the floor, be sure to check the weight capacity of the chair as well as the design of the legs before making any purchase.
7. Comfort
One of the main reasons people prefer using beach chairs to sitting on the sand or floor is excellent comfort. However, the comfort levels vary from one chair to another. As a result, the paper-thin canvas camping chairs have been replaced by soft and robust synthetic materials that offer impressive comfort levels.
Furthermore, some models may feature breathable mesh fabric to prevent the building up of sweat, especially during the hottest days. Other models come with built-in neck and head pillows or padded armrests to provide exceptional comfort. Additionally, the higher back panels and wider seat sections provide more support than the smaller ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Beach Chairs
1. Why are most beach chairs low to the ground?
There are many reasons why beach chairs are designed to be low to the ground. One of the main reasons is stability. Ideally, the closer the chair is to the ground, the more stable the chair will be. Another reason is for comfort. A low-profile chair allows you to stretch your legs fully, providing you comfort.
2. Do aluminum beach chairs rust?
Aluminum beach chairs are the most popular option as compared to wood because they are affordable. However, they are prone to rust. The most common cause of corrosion of aluminum frames is moisture. Therefore, to keep the chair from rusting, you need to ensure they remain dry.
3. Are Tommy Bahama chairs worth it?
Tommy Bahama is a popular and best-selling brand for all summer gear, including beach chairs. Although their prices are higher than other chairs, they will last you a long while.
